The WaterRower S4 performance monitor gives you real time insights into your workout performance and an overview of your completed session, as well as the ability to connect with apps via the Bluetooth ComModule accessory.
In this WaterRower S4 Performance Monitor guide we take a look at the features and options for the WaterRower S4 performance monitor that comes with the original series WaterRower rowing machines.
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Power On
Get started by pressing the power button on the monitor, then you can either begin rowing to begin tracking your session or you have the below two options:
Workout programs
Press the ‘workout programs’ button in order to setup a pre-programmed workout. Or press it again to cycle through the different options below:
- Time-Based Workout: Set a specific duration for your workout, and the monitor will display your time remaining.
- Distance-Based Workout: Set a rowing distance goal (e.g., 2000 meters), and the monitor will track your progress until you reach the target.
- Interval Workout: Set intervals for alternating work and rest periods. This is useful for high-intensity training.
To select a mode, simply scroll through the options using the up/down arrows and press OK to confirm.
Stored Programs
Press the stored programs button and select up/down to select one of your last 9 historic workout program settings then ok in order to quickly repeat the previously completed session.
Adjusting Units
Pressing the units button changes the intensity units between meters per second, miles per hour, 500/m split time, 2km split time, watts and calories per hour.
Pressing the units button twice changes the average intensity between meters per second, miles per hour, 500m split time, 2k split time.
Pressing the units button three times lets you toggle between meters, miles, kilometers and strokes.
Advanced Settings
Pressing the advanced button will get you extra additional settings for your WaterRower. Two useful ones included in this WaterRower S4 performance monitor guide are below:
Setting correct tank volume
Press the advanced button 9 times and ok and then press the up/down buttons to select the correct tank volume which is required to produce the correct watts output when displaying the watts units.
How to check WaterRower lifetime meters for the S4 performance monitor
Press the advanced button 9 times and OK and the total lifetime meters rowed will display.
As far as I am aware if the batteries are removed this will reset the lifetime meters of the rowing machine as well as lose any of your 9 historic stored workout programs
Getting the most out of your WaterRower S4 Performance Monitor
Check Your Metrics often: Pay attention to metrics like stroke rate, time, and distance to gauge your performance. Adjust your intensity as needed.
Use Interval Training: The interval workout function is great for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or alternating rowing and rest periods.
Sync your workout data: Analyze your workout data in-depth by syncing the monitor to apps like WaterRower Connect.
Connecting the S4 monitor to apps
In order to use apps you will need to have the Bluetooth ComModule installed to your S4 Performance monitor. Then you will be able to use apps like the WaterRower Connect app which is useful for keeping historical record of your workouts in order to track your progress and performance over time.
There are many other 3rd Party apps that you can also connect with like EXR, Kinomap etc. For a more detailed look into the best apps available for your WaterRower check out this article.
Using a Heart Rate Monitor
If wanting to use a heart rate monitor with your WaterRower you have two options.
- Installing either the internal or external ANT+ receiver and wearing a chest belt transmitter and viewing your heart rate on the S4 monitor. The S4 monitor will automatically detect it and display your current heart rate during your session when wearing the chest belt.
- Having either the Bluetooth ComModule installed to your S4 monitor or the SmartRow powermeter and using a Bluetooth heart rate monitor with the WaterRower connect app or SmartRow app (for SmartRow). You will then be able to view your heartrate within the WaterRower connect (Bluetooth ComModule) or SmartRow app (SmartRow powermeter).
Conclusion: WaterRower S4 performance monitor guide
As you can see in this WaterRower S4 Performance Monitor guide it is a powerful but easy to use tool for tracking your rowing workouts and improving your performance. By getting familiar with the settings and using the various features, you can tailor your workouts to your goals and continuously track your progress.
For the full WaterRower dual rail user manual which also gives further detailed instructions on the WaterRower S4 Performance Monitor visit waterrowerservice.com/manuals.